Mombasa United one step closer to promotion after Sharks win

Mombasa United moved a step closer to securing promotion after edging Kariobangi Sharks 2-1 in the first leg of their Kenyan Premier League promotion playoff played at Mbaraki in Mombasa on Thursday.

The victory gives the coastal side a slender advantage ahead of the return leg in Nairobi on October 6, where Sharks will be seeking to overturn the deficit and keep their promotion hopes alive.

Dennis Toeri broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute before Rashidi Waziri doubled United’s lead 12 minutes later.

Waziri converted a cross from Khamis Abdulrahman who passed two defenders before picking out the striker.

Sharks, however, refused to go down without a fight and pulled a goal back eight minutes from time through Dalvin Wayne, giving the visitors renewed hope ahead of the second leg.

Mombasa United had several opportunities to establish a bigger cushion, particularly in first half, but Jackson Watee, Christian Lubulu and Rodgers Agal were unable to convert their chances.

Sharks also had opportunities, with Franklin Amolo missing from close range while United goalkeeper and defence stood firm when required.

Mombasa United now will travel to Nairobi with a one-goal advantage, although coach Abdulhamid Moallin knows the tie is still wide open.

“It was a tough match. We anticipated it would be like that. Kariobangi Sharks are good with the ball, but I am happy we won. As it seems, it is far from over,” Moallin said.

For Sharks, coach William Muluya admitted his team must quickly regroup before the decisive return fixture.

“We have lost, but now we have to go back to the drawing board and plan for the second leg,” Muluya said.

With promotion at stake, the October 6 clash in Nairobi promises to be a high-pressure encounter, with Mombasa United needing to protect their advantage while Sharks must find a way to overturn the deficit and keep their top-flight hopes alive.